HVAC stands for heating, ventilation, and air conditioning. HVAC technicians are essential to installing these systems in your home and keeping them working to provide you and your family comfort. They have the skills, experience, and tools to safely and effectively work on HVAC systems so that homeowners don’t need to themselves. This article will explore what HVAC technicians do and what systems and components they work on.
Installation
One of an HVAC technician’s primary responsibilities is installing new HVAC systems. These installations can be performed in both older buildings and newly constructed buildings.
HVAC installations will cover the planning and placement of:
- Core HVAC systems
- Any necessary ductwork
- Electrical HVAC wiring
- Other HVAC-related utility connections
An HVAC technician must ensure the HVAC system is installed safely and follows any relevant building codes and regulations. Additionally, HVAC technicians test and calibrate an HVAC system to ensure it functions properly. They will also help educate homeowners on how to operate their new system and proper maintenance practices to ensure system longevity.
Replacement
Sometimes, a home already has an existing HVAC system that needs to be replaced.
Reasons for this replacement can include:
- Insufficient warming or cooling power
- Poor energy efficiency
- Repair cost too high
- Switching to new system type
If you have an HVAC system that needs to be replaced, an HVAC system will remove the existing system and install the new one. Sometimes, only part of the HVAC system will be removed, and some existing components, like ductwork, will still be used from the previous system. If only part of the system is being replaced, the technician may modify the existing system components and infrastructure to function correctly with the new HVAC system. Like new system installations, the HVAC technician will ensure that all work meets safety standards and adheres to relevant regulations.
Maintenance
A professional HVAC technician must perform maintenance to ensure optimal HVAC system operation. A poorly maintained HVAC system can increase utility bills, add unnecessary stress on components, and reduce lifespan.
HVAC technicians can perform routine tasks like:
- Cleaning or changing filters
- Inspecting components for damage
- Checking refrigerant levels
- And more
Technicians can also perform more specialized maintenance depending on the type of system you have and its current needs. While performing maintenance on your HVAC system, a technician will also look for and fix any potential problems so they don’t become a major issue later. Preventative maintenance can help reduce the frequency of needed repairs and help minimize repair costs.
Repair
When an HVAC system malfunctions or breaks down, it is an HVAC technician’s job to diagnose and repair the issue.
Potential issues can include but aren’t limited to:
- Electrical wiring
- Loose or faulty components
- Debris accumulation
- Mechanical problems
An HVAC technician fixes your problem by inspecting system components, troubleshooting potential causes, and performing any necessary repairs. Sometimes, a technician may identify an underlying cause that needs to be remedied so the HVAC system doesn’t have the same problem in the future. An HVAC technician must thoroughly understand HVAC systems to repair them quickly and effectively.
Systems and Components
HVAC technicians deal with various system types and components, each serving a specific function within the entire system. Let’s take a closer look at the types of systems and other related components that HVAC technicians work with:
Central Heating and Air Conditioning
Central heating and air conditioning systems are built around a large outdoor HVAC unit that provides warm or cool air. This heated or cooled air is distributed into different rooms throughout the house via ductwork and vents.
Zoned HVAC Systems
HVAC zoning is when dampers are used within the ductwork of an HVAC system to direct warmed or cooled air throughout the home with more control and precision. Homeowners can choose to regulate the temperature in different areas of a home instead of one setting for the entire building. With a traditional system that doesn’t have zoning capability, individual vents can only be opened or closed manually in different rooms, with one temperature for the entire home.
Ductless Mini-Split HVAC Systems
Ductless mini-split HVAC systems have one central outdoor unit and one or more interior units mounted to the wall or ceiling inside the home. Instead of ductwork, the interior units connect to the outdoor unit by refrigerant lines. A remote control lets you control each interior unit’s airflow and temperature settings. This makes ductless mini-split systems function somewhat similarly to zoned HVAC systems, but their design and operation differ.
Ductless mini-split systems can help save space due to their lack of ductwork, making them ideal for homes where space is an issue. While ductless mini-splits can initially cost more than traditional HVAC systems, their efficiency can lead to lower energy bills and a longer system lifespan, saving money in the long run.
Thermostats
Thermostats are the control center of your home’s HVAC system. Different types of thermostats can be installed inside a home. Thermostat choice is dependent on compatibility with the HVAC system present in the home and the homeowner’s preferences. Thermostats can be connected to smart home systems and sometimes include voice control. A smartphone can control some thermostats via an app. There are also thermostats that can learn your schedule and preferences for more efficient operation.
Whole House Fans
Whole-house fans can cool your home by pulling cool outdoor air into it and pushing warm air out. Because they cost less to run than air conditioners, a whole-house fan reduces a homeowner’s need to run the AC as often, saving on electric bills.
Home Dehumidifiers
Humid air can make the temperature feel much hotter than it is, leading homeowners to crank their air conditioning higher to combat it. Home dehumidifiers increase comfort by removing excess moisture from the air, lowering the need to change temperature settings drastically.
Air Purifiers
Depending on the system type and model, HVAC systems already have various air filtration systems in place. However, sometimes additional filtration is desired. Air purifiers can be installed to remove irritating contaminants from the air further. While anyone can appreciate higher air quality, air purifying devices are ideal for people who already suffer from respiratory issues like asthma or allergies.
As you can see, HVAC technicians require a wide range of knowledge and skills to install HVAC systems and keep them running smoothly. Homeowners should not attempt to install HVAC systems themselves or perform anything but basic maintenance like cleaning or changing air filters. It can be dangerous and lead to severe HVAC operational problems later. DIY installation or repair work can also void your HVAC system warranty or result in a home insurance claim being denied.
Do you live in San Marcos, CA, or the surrounding area and need HVAC services? Oak Island Heating and Air Conditioning is here to help. We offer installation, replacement, maintenance, and repair of all the HVAC systems and components listed in the article above. Additionally, we work on heating pumps, UV lights, air scrubbers, and more. If you want more information about our services, please contact Oak Island Heating and Air Conditioning today!
